Maybe I Should Buy a Gun? (to rent, home security, school)

[Xica_da_Silva]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Xica,
I seem to remember a post from you where you said you do not have a fence around your lot. A fence is a big help in making sure what's in the backyard, stays in the backyard. If you don't have one, maybe you could put up a little utility area fence or a storage shed to keep things in.

Wow! I come back today after a long day at work to discover all these postings...I definitely appreciate all the advice and support. It's nice to know the sense of community goes beyond my real-life neighbors...and extends to those elsewhere in Phoenix metro and beyond, here online!

I don't have much time right now to respond to everyone, but I did want to quickly respond to your message Ponderosa because you're exactly correct (great memory, btw!). Thanks! One of the options I'm considering is getting either a fence or cement wall because I have 2 alleys(of all things!) bordering the back and side of my house. Previously, I didn't really consider it because I had other priorities at the time. But when I think of it, it's kind of a waste of an entire backyard if I can never use it for anything, isn't it? Beyond protecting things like a lawn mower, it would be great someday if I could actually have a BBQ or modest patio furniture without fearing it getting stolen. Hmmm...

PS. the funny thing is, a while ago I actually bought a bamboo-ish chair to go on my front porch, nothing too fancy...but still. However, I've kept it inside during the summer to protect it from heat. Now, I'm wondering if I can even risk keeping it outside when I'm not home? What's the cut-off point for what dollar value they'll steal with some effort? $50, $100, $200?! Would they even have the audacity to walk up to my front porch, grab the chair and throw it in a truck?! Blech. The paranoia makes my head spin!

[Desertspiritsteve]

It happens all the time I'm sorry to say. Now that you tell us that you have two alleys and not just one, you might want to consider pet rattlesnakes and jumping cactus landscaping. My next door neighbor keeps losing her solar lights in the front yard. I keep thinking, "I wonder who the hell is doing this?" I keep thinking that we (Myself and the neighbors) need some video cameras. You realize that we the good guys are on camera wherever we go.

[Bondurant]

Originally Posted by nickw252

Coming from an attorney, and a CCW holder with a gun in his pocket you are absolutely incorrect. You NEVER have the right to use deadly force merely to protect property. A human life is worth more than a lawnmower.

I don't understand this logic. I cannot protect my property? I have to cower before the criminal and call the police and hope they arrive before my property has been pawned? What is going on in this country. All laws go against the victim. Laws need to be changef.

[Desertspiritsteve]

I'm dealing with the hand I've been dealt. I find myself to be in my sixties. I would just as soon spend some money on preventatives as astronomical legal fees for a murder defense. Maybe it's time for me to move from the hood to Sun City. Maybe your right, some laws need to be changed.

[LocoAZnative]

We really need Castle laws that allow us to protect our property. To me your life means nothing if you are on my property stealing my stuff. My possession that are mine are worth more to me then the life of the scum who is stealing it. Also, you better believe they will be back cuz they know how easy it is to steal from you, and I'm sure they told all their scum friends about you too. Build a fence, get a dog, and get a gun don't be a victim and protect youself.

[nickw252]

Originally Posted by Bondurant

I don't understand this logic. I cannot protect my property? I have to cower before the criminal and call the police and hope they arrive before my property has been pawned? What is going on in this country. All laws go against the victim. Laws need to be changef.

You can always protect your property but you can never use deadly force to strictly protect property. If the criminal raises the level of force used upon yourself (a human) you can respond in kind.

There is absolutely nothing in the law that says you have to cower and just let a criminal rip off your stuff while you watch him.

[Huckleberry3911948]

guns are for personal safety not for theft, home breakins involve personal safety firarms might be an option.
be advised does not matter ,right or wrong, if you kill someone you will never forget it.
not so for a lawnmower. i love burglar bars, cheap easy to install and i dont have to kill them.
if you shoot them, the chances of not being charged with a crime and not being sued-- even in AZ-- are slim.
btw if you watch the CDF posts- a wealth of knowledge- you will see that renters dont get sued- but owners always get sued- after a home invasion shooting. that is bek owners got money.

[Bondurant]

Originally Posted by nickw252

You can always protect your property but you can never use deadly force to strictly protect property. If the criminal raises the level of force used upon yourself (a human) you can respond in kind.

There is absolutely nothing in the law that says you have to cower and just let a criminal rip off your stuff while you watch him.

This is still tragically flawed. If I address the criminal I am possibly risking serious injury or death. Waiting for him to strike before I do is pointless.

[Desertspiritsteve]

I was feeding a neighbor's dogs in my neighborhood twenty years ago. I came out of her house to get in my car (in the carport) and saw a family on foot coming down the street in my direction. I opened the car door but stood and watched. Mom, Dad and four big teenagers veered off course and went thru my neighbor's front yard. The group went through her citrus trees and tore out all the fruit they could rip off (Literally). There isn't any respect for anyone's property and they know no boundaries. I think it's a culture thing. My lottery dream would be to buy on a hill in the forest in Prescott and get away from this. I have gone bonkers over this sort of thing in the past, but now I choose my fights very carefully. The police don't care much about petty crime. The uber wealthy live in gated communities and hire their own private police (security). I just do the best I can, and I don't want to shoot anyone.

[nickw252]

Here is a perfect example of when a property crime turned into a physical assault and using deadly force was justified:

Gilbert killing after beer robbery at Circle K justified, police say